- Creamy Avocado Pasta

$- 2 ripe avocados - 12 oz pasta (linguine or spaghetti) - 2 cloves garlic - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - Cherry tomatoes, halved - Extra basil leaves For this creamy avocado pasta, you need fresh ingredients. Ripe avocados are key. They should feel soft but not mushy. Choose linguine or spaghetti for the pasta. Both work well. You will also need garlic, which adds a nice kick. Fresh basil gives a bright flavor. The lemon juice adds zing to the dish. Parmesan cheese gives it creaminess. If you prefer vegan, use nutritional yeast. Don’t forget the salt and pepper for seasoning. They bring out all the flavors. For garnish, cherry tomatoes add color and sweetness. Extra basil leaves make the dish look lovely. This recipe is simple and quick. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through the steps easily. 1. Fill a large pot with water. Add salt to taste. 2. Bring the water to a boil. This will take a few minutes. 3. Once boiling, add 12 oz of pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. 4. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. This will help the sauce. 5. Drain the pasta and set it aside in the pot. 1. In a food processor, add the ripe avocados, minced garlic, and lemon juice. 2. Toss in the fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. 3. Blend the mix until it’s smooth and creamy. 4. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Blend again until you reach your desired creaminess. 1. In the same pot where you cooked the pasta, add a tablespoon of olive oil. 2. Pour in the cooked pasta and then add the avocado sauce on top. 3. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. 4. If the sauce feels thick, add more reserved pasta water bit by bit. Toss again for extra creaminess. Follow these steps for a quick and simple weeknight meal. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. Enjoy your creamy avocado pasta! To make a smooth and creamy sauce, start with ripe avocados. They should feel soft when you press them. If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water. This starchy water helps make your sauce creamy. Always reserve some before you drain the pasta. You can boost the flavor by adding spices or herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick. You can also try fresh parsley or cilantro. If you want a creamier taste, try different cheese options. Instead of Parmesan, use goat cheese or a vegan cheese. They add rich flavors to the dish. Garnish your avocado pasta for a pop of color. Fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes and basil make it pretty. You can also serve it with a light salad or crusty bread. For drinks, a crisp white wine pairs well. It balances the creamy pasta nicely. {{image_2}} For a vegan version of creamy avocado pasta, skip the cheese. Instead, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This swap keeps your dish plant-based while adding a nice umami taste. You can also boost the nutrients by adding extra veggies. Try spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. These vegetables add color and crunch, making your meal even better. Want to add protein? Incorporate cooked chicken or shrimp into the pasta. Both options bring great flavor and texture. If you prefer plant-based protein, try chickpeas or lentils. They mix well with the avocado sauce and give you a hearty meal. Just toss them in after mixing the pasta and sauce. Don't be afraid to experiment with different pasta types. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well too. You can also try fun shapes like penne or fusilli. For added flavor, play with herbs. Fresh parsley or cilantro can give your pasta a fresh twist. Mixing in these ingredients can create a whole new dish every time you cook. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To keep your creamy avocado pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from spoiling the dish. Use a glass or plastic container with a tight lid for best results. If you have extra avocado sauce, store it separately to avoid browning. You can refrigerate the pasta for up to three days. When reheating, use the stovetop or microwave. On the stovetop, add a splash of water to help revive the sauce. Stir gently over low heat until warm. In the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short bursts. Stir between intervals to warm evenly. To keep the creaminess, avoid overheating. Can you freeze creamy avocado pasta? Yes, but it’s tricky. Freezing may change the texture of the avocado. If you want to try, freeze the pasta without the sauce. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat and mix with fresh avocado sauce for the best taste. Yes, you can prepare several parts of this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also make the avocado sauce in advance. Just blend all the ingredients and keep it in a sealed container. To keep the sauce fresh, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to limit air exposure. You can store both the pasta and sauce for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, just combine them and warm gently. If you need a substitute for Parmesan cheese, try these options: - Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor and is great for vegans. - Grated pecorino cheese is a good alternative if you want a stronger taste. - For a nut-free option, use ground sunflower seeds mixed with garlic powder. These choices keep your dish creamy and tasty while meeting dietary needs. To keep your avocado fresh, use lemon juice in your sauce. The acid slows browning. You can also store the avocado with the pit inside. Use an airtight container and cover it tightly. If the sauce does brown, just stir it; the flavor stays good. Always aim to serve your dish fresh for the best taste and color. This recipe shows how to make creamy avocado pasta with simple ingredients. First, we cooked the pasta and made a smooth avocado sauce. We then combined them for a tasty dish. Remember to play with flavors by adding your favorite herbs or proteins. Storing tips help you keep leftovers fresh. Overall, this dish is easy and fun to make. Enjoy your time in the kitchen and make it your own!$

Indulge in the creamy goodness of avocado pasta with this easy recipe! Made with ripe avocados, fresh basil, and garlic, this pasta dish is not only delicious but also healthy and quick to prepare in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressive enough for guests, it’s sure to be a hit!

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Ingredients

2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

12 oz pasta (linguine or spaghetti)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Extra basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Prepare the Avocado Sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine the ripe avocados, minced garlic, lemon juice, basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Combine Pasta with Sauce: In the same pot you used to cook the pasta, add a tablespoon of olive oil and the cooked pasta. Pour the avocado sauce over the pasta, tossing to coat evenly. If it's too thick, slowly add more reserved pasta water until desired creaminess is achieved.

Serve: Divide the creamy avocado pasta into serving bowls. Top with halved cherry tomatoes and extra basil leaves for a fresh burst of flavor.

Enjoy: Serve immediately while warm for the best experience!

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 20 mins | Servings: 4